KUALA LUMPUR – The altercation that erupted outside a Taoist temple in Salak South yesterday was caused by a misunderstanding, said Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias.
He said the presence of officials from the Kuala Lumpur Lands and Mines Department and contractors at the Chee How temple yesterday was due to works on building a hoarding fence for a neighbouring school, and not to demolish the temple, as alleged by devotees there.
Jalaluddin said there were two schools in the area – the Tai Tung Chinese school and SMK Sg Besi.
“The Site Eviction Notification Letter (period of 14 days from the date of the notice) was issued on May 6 by the federal Lands and Mines Department on structures (such as) a basketball court, guard house, parking lot, a bridge and covered pedestrian walkway, which is next to the temple,” he said in a statement, as quoted by Utusan Malaysia.
The deputy minister’s statement comes after the publishing of clips showing dozens of individuals attacking policemen and vandalising a backhoe outside the temple yesterday, causing a stir on social media.
The temple was also hive of activity today, with several high-ranking officials visiting the site along Jalan Sg Besi this afternoon in a bid to resolve the dispute that reached fever pitch yesterday.
The incident led to the arrest of four people yesterday, and another two today.
Jalaluddin said the clips had created a negative perception of authorities among netizens on social media.
He added that although the situation has cooled down, the matter is still serious as it involves religious devotees and the authorities.
“There were attempts to manipulate and exploit (the matter) on social media, which carries a high risk of causing confusion, anxiety and threatening public order.
“Therefore, I hope the relevant authorities will expedite investigations so that we can confirm the cause of the incident and solve the matter harmoniously.”
He also advised all quarters to set aside their differences and find common ground for the sake of unity, adding that incidents like this should not recur to uphold the country’s principles in line with the government’s “Keluarga Malaysia” (Malaysian Family) concept. – The Vibes, September 29, 2021
